9 BEST BARS IN AMSTERDAM

Whether you are winding down after a busy day exploring the town and looking for a smooth transition to a night of clubbing and partying, or just want to enjoy some good music with a nice drink, Amsterdam’s bars are the right place to do it.

What do you think about when you picture a bar? Whatever it is, erase the image. In this city, there is no concept that can be put into a box. There are over 1400 bars around and they differ a lot from each other. The best Amsterdam bars can be cozy, fancy, stylish, loud, subtle, downright outrageous and totally out of control.

Whatever you have in mind for your bar adventure, there is one thing you can be sure of. You have come to the right place if you’re looking for the city’s best bars, Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket is your loyal wingman and guides you to the best places in town as usual.

Surprise Bar

This place knows how to create a perfect balance between a friendly atmosphere and excellent party vibes. Surprise Bar is ready to have fun because it is always the right time to celebrate life. And it has been since 1992, so it is safe to say they’re experts in the field of throwing a good bash. Hits and dance music make you want to get up and move, so get a beer or a shot and let’s dance!

Your Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket makes sure you get a warm welcome with a free shot upon arrival. They’re super casual about the dress code here, so looking fancy is not required. Just be you, look like you and have a great time. Think of Suprise Bar as a relaxed get together with your close friends, where you start with a drink and then lose yourself in the party.

Bar Lunar

A hidden gem located in the heart of Amsterdam's Rembrandtplein. is a cozy and intimate cocktail paradise that stands out from the crowd. Known for its crazy karaoke nights, it offers a unique experience for both locals and tourists. With a capacity for 120 people, this small yet well-known bar creates an intimate and welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. Sing your heart out on the karaoke stage and dance the night away while creating unforgettable memories. Don't forget to bring your Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket to enjoy a free shot upon entry.

But Bar Lunar offers more than just karaoke. It also provides the opportunity to participate in cocktail workshops. Become a master mixologist and enhance your evening out by creating your own personalized cocktails. With the chance to mix two cocktails with ingredients of your choice, the workshop adds an entertaining and interactive element to your visit. Even on quieter nights, such as Mondays, Bar Lunar remains open, ensuring that you can experience its cozy ambiance and lively atmosphere any day of the week. Just remember to show your Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket to enjoy the free welcome shot and embark on an authentic Dutch party night like no other.

Proeflokaal Arendsnest

A bar doesn’t equal cocktails in Amsterdam and we love our beer as much as we like fancy drinks. Beer plays a central role at Proeflokaal Arendsnest and their faith in Dutch craft beer is solid, it’s the only beer they serve. They have an enormous selection ready on tap so chances are your favorite from one of the 400 Dutch breweries is available. Apart from the 50 beers on draft ready to be poured straight into your glass, another 100 are available on bottle.

Groups are more than welcome and they have the space for it. Sit at the bar for some good stories and background info to be served with that glass of brew and learn some interesting facts about Dutch beer. Not so much into the liquid gold? Don’t worry. The Dutch may not have invented cocktails, we’ve done a pretty good job at whiskey, liquors and gin. The large selection is all from national soil that has proven to be extremely fertile for great booze.

Bubbels

A spot that cannot be left out from a list that names the best Amsterdam bars is definitely ‘Bubbels’. At this joint, partying is a profession and they’re definitely up for the job. The venue is well supplied to take every celebration to the next level. Music wise, drinks-wise and of course the great ambience plays a key role.

The music they play is a diverse mix of nothing but the best to make sure everyone is ready to dance the night away and stays for another round. A round of anything, from the well-stocked bar.

At Bubbels they always party like it could be their last one. Get here early if you want to be secured of a spot on the dance floor and check the events that are on when you’re booking your Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket.

Twenty Third Bar

Do you want to be transported to a magical place overlooking the entire city while sipping an exclusive cocktail that was made with the greatest eye for detail? A spaceship isn’t required to go there, simply step into the elevator of the Okura Hotel and ride to the 23rd floor. That’s where it all happens at the Twenty Third Bar, definitely one of the best and most exclusive bars in Amsterdam.
Exclusivity comes at a price, but the spectacular views are thrown in for free. Amsterdam is literally at your feet while you’re being treated like a royal at this five-star hotel bar.
The cocktail menu offers a choice of classics with a twist and inventions based on local icons with names like ‘Walk in the Vondelpark’ and ‘From Amsterdam with Love’. There’s a good selection of champagne and the bar bites are provided by restaurant Ciel Bleu, Okura’s 2 Michelin star restaurant. Smart casual is the dress code so you don’t even have to pack your suit to make an entrance here. That leaves only one thing left to decide; cocktails or champagne?

LUX Amsterdam

Stepping into LUX Amsterdam is like entering a world where style meets relaxation, right in the bustling heart of the city near Leidseplein. This bar is an urban oasis spread over three floors, each offering a distinct view and vibe, amidst an atmosphere that combines chic sophistication with classic elegance. LUX is the perfect spot for those seeking a blend of a tranquil and spirited experience in Amsterdam’s nightlife.

At LUX, diversity is the norm. The venue attracts a wide range of patrons, from creative minds to international expats, all looking for a place to unwind. Whether it’s starting your evening with a refreshing drink or finding a cozy nook for late-night conversations, LUX caters to every mood. The interior design is a visual delight, featuring reflective mirror walls, subtle Asian influences, and a captivating deep red ceiling, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.

But what truly elevates the LUX experience is the exclusive benefit you receive with your Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket. Imagine walking into this vibrant setting and unlocking a 2-for-1 offer on all drinks with your first order. From robust shots to innovative cocktails, this special treat enhances your visit, irrespective of whether you hold a 1, 2, or 7-day Nightlife Ticket. Each day of your ticket brings a new opportunity to enjoy this fantastic offer, adding a dash of excitement to your Amsterdam escapades.

Café Weber

Café Weber Amsterdam: A Night to Remember

Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Leidsebuurt, Café Weber Amsterdam stands out as a cozy, eclectic spot in the Amsterdam Nightlife scene. This bar isn't just about drinks; it's an institution where music, art, and culture blend seamlessly, creating an ambiance that's both intimate and electrifying. Frequented by a diverse crowd ranging from musicians to theatre personalities, Café Weber promises a night where memories are made.

What sets Café Weber apart is not just its quirky, colorful decor or the bison-themed artwork that adds a touch of whimsy to the place. It's the music that takes center stage – a harmonious mix of classic tunes and contemporary beats that ensures every night is unique and lively. Patrons often rave about the friendly staff and the vibrant energy that permeates the place, making it a 'great mistake' to stumble upon and an even greater joy to stay in.

But there's more. With your Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket, Café Weber becomes even more enticing. Enjoy an exclusive 2-for-1 offer on all drinks – from tangy cocktails to bold shots. Whether you opt for a 1, 2, or 7-day Nightlife Ticket, this offer adds an extra layer of excitement to your experience. Imagine sipping your favorite drink while soaking in the eclectic vibes under the cozy roof of Café Weber.

Vesper

On every list with the best bars in Amsterdam, you’ll find Vesper. Why? Because it’s pretty much the definition of a fancy bar but at the same time manages to exceed all expectations. It’s located right on the edge of the Jordaan area, a bit outside of the party neighborhood of the city but still, everyone finds their way here at least once in their lifetime.

Cocktails aren’t just a drink at Vesper, they are science and art mixed together carefully by skilled and trained bartenders who aim to reinvent their signatures constantly. Their creations are praised and recognized worldwide yet their success hasn’t gone to their heads. Vesper is anything but pretentious and remains an inviting, genuine and open place where all guests feel welcome.

Oche & Boom Chicago Comedy Club & Holland Casino

Do you want your bar experience to come with a little extra? Your Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket gives you a bar with darts, bar with comedy, or bar with gambling. Which one is it going to be?

At Holland Casino Amsterdam you can start your night by enjoying the free drink you’ll be served upon arrival, and think about where you’re going to try your luck first. Get the game on, win (or lose) some money, have a few more drinks at the bar and perhaps even move on to the casino’s club Lido later on. Lido is equipped with plenty of places to lounge, drink a cocktail at the bar and show some moves on the dance floor.

Boom Chicago is the place to go if you need a good laugh. They’re masters of making fun of everything and everyone, but especially themselves and the tiny country they call home. It’s an excellent way to learn a bit more about the bizarre politics and strange habits of the Netherlands in a not so serious way. And because laughing makes you thirsty, Boom Chicago is furnished with a nice bar to let the jokes sink in and enjoy the after-fun.

A very unique bar is Oche. Oche Amsterdam is the place to discover darts in a new way. With their digital darts offerings, you can choose to play the game in its classic way, as well as different game modes. With the Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket, you not only get darts 2 for the price of 1, but also a free welcome drink for during your dart experience. Chef Niels van Halen has created a wonderful menu with the perfect snacks for during the darts. These are not the Dutch bitterballs you might expect, but very refined tasty little dishes. These dishes can be combined well with their delicious cocktails, wines or beers. Oche is definitely a bar you want to discover.

Check all the extra’s you get at these locations with your Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket!

Bar style and drinks

Many bars don’t have a strict dress code, but most of them do appreciate their guests looking nice. Sports apparel is usually not permitted, so leave the sneakers, sweats and caps behind in the hotel. Dutch people are good at a number of things, their style can definitely not match the French. We like dressing up, but we don’t wrestle ourselves in a suit or ultra-tight cocktail dress for drinks out in town. So take a strict dress-code with a grain of salt and don’t make yourself uncomfortable, the most important thing is being able to move and have fun. A nice shirt, little black dress and your Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket is basically all you need for an epic night out in the best bars of Amsterdam.

Looking for the ultimate Dutch experience? There are a few drinks we highly suggest you try. In the beer department, Brouwerij ‘t Ij is an excellent choice for a delicious beer that’s slightly different to what you’re used to. Going for something stronger? You’ve possibly heard about the profound love for licorice that can be found in the heart of nearly every Dutch person. Dropshot is a liquor made with licorice, fancy a shot? And last but not least, jenever. Do you like gin? Guess where that came from. Jenever used to be exported to England but when trade stopped due to conflict the English made their own version. Jenever is quite strong and we suggest you try ‘jonge jenever’ first, which is easier to drink.

Club Hartje

Hartje can’t choose and calls itself a club/bar, which doesn’t even begin to cover the dose of fun you’ll find past the entrance. It’s a popular place and one of those Amsterdam bars that embrace both locals and visitors and makes everyone feel like their special guest.
It’s located in one of the streets around Leidseplein, tucked away between an almost endless number of bars and clubs but still manages to stand out. Chillin’ in the VIP area, dance to hits and dance music the DJ’s provide and knocking those shots away. Showing your Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket at the bar gives you a free welcome shot. The friendly staff will make sure your night at Hartje is one for the books, good moods and fun applies to everything and everyone here.